Yayasan Ipoh Rewinds Time: ‘Retro, Rewind & Reimagine’ Creates Golden Memories for Over 400 People
By Sumathi Annamalai
A wave of nostalgia and community spirit swept through Yayasan Ipoh (YI) on November 29, as the “Retro, Rewind & Reimagine” event successfully gathered over 300 people for a journey back in time. Running from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the half-day celebration was specifically designed to recall the olden, golden years while creating new, cherished memories for the special needs children and the wider community.
The strong turnout and diverse participant list, which included students from YI’s Early Intervention Program (EIP) Daycare Kid, YI Speech and Occupational Therapy (OT) Client, SK Pendidikan Khas Ipoh, SK Coronation Park, and various Tabika Kemas centers, underscored the event’s powerful message of inclusion and shared heritage.
The morning commenced with the arrival of special guests, including Dato Dr Ramanathan, CEO of Yayasan Ipoh, and INSP Nitia Ruban (OCCI Bercham), who delivered the opening speeches. This endorsement from community and institutional leaders reinforced the importance of celebrating diversity and fostering a supportive environment for all participants. The event enjoyed the support of Yayasan Ipoh staff and volunteers, including interns from UniKL.
A dynamic Fashion Show was the major highlight, featuring categories for Individual (Special Need Kids), Individual (Typical Kids), and Group (Family), followed by spirited Group Performances from the participating schools and family groups. The task of judging these talented displays fell to the expert panel of Ms Lee Yin Nee, Ms Ding Swee Ling, and Pn Tun Azlinda Binti Baharum. Adding a profoundly moving element to the day was the Special Performance delivered by Mr Cheah Quek Lim, a former YI Speech Therapy client (2004-2015), whose inspiring display as a singer, pianist, and keyboardist served as a powerful testament to the resilience and potential that exists within the special needs community.
Beyond the stage, the event created an immersive, nostalgic environment with its array of Interactive Booths designed to trigger beloved childhood memories. Attendees eagerly revisited the past with retro concept, photo booth, food and beverage booths offering classics like kacang putih, kuih-muih and “retro ice memories,“ alongside stalls dedicated to toys and plants that harked back to simpler times. The marketplace of memories was rounded out by engaging displays from Zhi Qian (Art & Craft from Penang) and corporate partners like CIMB and Hong Leong Bank, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for all 300-plus attendees.
Following the performances and nostalgic explorations, the focus shifted to recognition during the Prize Giving Ceremony. The event officially drew to a close between 11:20 AM and 12:00 PM with the Closing Remark and Photography Session. The “Retro, Rewind & Reimagine” event successfully achieved its goal of intertwining the joyous spirit of the past with the inclusive vision of the present, leaving every participant with cherished new memories and a reinforced sense of community belonging.
